The passport facility at COLLEEN FRASER BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, positioned prominently on East Broad Street in the heart of Westfield, New Jersey, serves as a crucial resource for residents throughout Union County and beyond. This facility is situated within the Colleen Fraser Building, a distinctive structure that commands attention on the vibrant downtown corridor, directly across from the historic Rialto Theatre, a local landmark since 1922. The area itself, often referred to as ‘Downtown Westfield,’ is a bustling commercial and community district, characterized by its mix of boutique shops, eateries, and professional services, extending from Elm Street to Central Avenue. This specific location ensures excellent accessibility for individuals coming from the affluent neighborhoods of The Gardens, Brightwood, and Indian Forest, as well as commuters utilizing the nearby Westfield Train Station on the Raritan Valley Line, just a five-minute walk east. Its central placement makes it particularly convenient for families residing in Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and even parts of Cranford and Garwood, who seek efficient government services without venturing into larger urban centers. The Union County Clerk’s Office has been an integral part of Westfield’s civic infrastructure for decades, transitioning over time to meet evolving community needs, including the processing of passport applications. Historically, the county clerk’s role has been deeply intertwined with local record-keeping and public access to vital documents, and offering passport services aligns perfectly with this long-standing commitment to comprehensive citizen support. The Colleen Fraser Building itself, though modernized, reflects architectural elements common to public structures built in the mid-20th century, providing a sense of permanence and civic duty. It’s not uncommon to see a diverse cross-section of the community here: recent high school graduates from Westfield High School preparing for their first international travels, young families applying for passports for infants before a planned vacation, business professionals seeking renewals for urgent international trips, and even retirees from the Echo Lake section planning extended cruises. The facility’s strategic location ensures it catches foot traffic from those conducting other business downtown, perhaps after visiting the Westfield Memorial Library on Elm Street or grabbing a coffee on Quimby Street. The staff here are acutely familiar with the specific requirements and nuances of passport applications, providing a level of expertise that sets this county facility apart from many post office locations. They handle a significant volume of applications, demonstrating a profound understanding of both routine and complex cases, including those involving name changes, lost documents, or specific requirements for minors. This depth of knowledge is particularly valuable given the often-confusing nature of federal passport regulations. The commitment to local service is palpable, fostering an environment where applicants feel guided through what can sometimes be a daunting bureaucratic process. The presence of the Union County Superior Court Annex a few blocks north on North Avenue, and the Westfield Police Department headquarters on East Broad Street, further solidify this area as a hub for civic engagement, making the Colleen Fraser Building a natural extension of public service in this vibrant New Jersey community. The office’s proximity to these key institutions underscores its role as an accessible and integrated component of local governance. This facility represents a vital point of contact for Union County residents interacting with federal requirements for international travel, grounding a critical service within the familiar and accessible context of their own community. The sustained dedication to providing this essential service reinforces the office’s enduring value to the regional populace, simplifying what could otherwise be a complicated undertaking for thousands annually. The facility consistently adapts its operational procedures to reflect updated federal guidelines, ensuring that applicants receive the most current and accurate information for their travel documentation needs.
